Publishing of photos prohibited. All rights reserved. Photos property of Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, Columbia, S.C. to be used as illustrations on this website only in this restoration project

COLUMBIA, SC—The Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton Camp #273, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Columbia, SC has begun a fund raising project to conserve a historical artifact of local and national importance, the Saluda Guards banner. The fragile banner is part of the collection of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. It is reputed to be stained with blood and is in need of conservation to insure its survival as part of South Carolina's historic military material culture.

The banner, which was made by the ladies of Lexington and presented in 1861 to the Saluda Guards, initially formed as Company O of the 1st SC Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This local home guard military unit was composed of soldiers from Lexington, Saluda, Ridge Road and surrounding towns and counties. The Saluda Guards participated in the campaigns of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during the War Between the States. Following conservation the Saluda Guards flag will be on exhibit for the public to view.

Contributions towards this artifact preservation project are welcome and appreciated. Checks or money orders can be payable to:

South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
c/o Allen Roberson, Director
Saluda Guards Banner Preservation Project
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Founded in 1896, the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest museum in the Columbia area. The museum focuses on South Carolina's military history from the Revolutionary War to the present.